Jennie Armstrong and Andrew Gray Shatter Lavender Ceilings; First LGBTQ People Ever Elected to the Alaska State Legislature
LGBTQ Victory Fund candidates Jennie Armstrong and Andrew Gray won their elections for Alaska’s 16th and 20th state House Districts. Armstrong is the first out LGBTQ woman and Gray is the first out LGBTQ man ever elected to the Alaska state legislature. Alaska is one of just four U.S. states with zero LGBTQ state lawmakers, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute. A record number of LGBTQ people ran for state legislatures this year.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement:
“It is no coincidence that in the wake of a historic wave of anti-LGBTQ laws introduced in state legislatures across the country – including in Alaska – a record number of LGBTQ candidates are running for state legislatures. Alaskans are ready for the change Jennifer and Andrew will bring to Juneau because they know the status quo is not working. In the coming months, state legislatures will determine the future of marriage equality and abortion rights. We are confident pro-equality, pro-choice leaders like Jennie and Andrew will fight tooth and nail on behalf of our community.”
Ashley Carrick, running for Alaska’s 35th House District, is on track to win her election.
To reach equitable representation, the U.S. must elect 346 more out LGBTQ people to state legislatures, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute.
Victory Fund is tracking election results at victoryfund.org/2022.
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.